Elite US universities including Columbia, Duke and Penn accused of colluding to hike tuition through early decision scheme

A federal class-action lawsuit filed in Boston accuses 32 elite US universities, including Columbia, Duke and Penn, of colluding to inflate tuition by manipulating the early decision process. Plaintiffs allege the institutions violated antitrust laws, reduced competition, and misled applicants, seeking damages and a ban on binding early decision policies to curb longstanding inequities.